Finished Soap
We are almost done with our Valentine’s for Him themed week. Don’t let Valentine’s get away from you this year! It is just around the corner!
Most men are one product type of guys. They like things quick and easy. In some ways, they present a challenge for us. They also inspire quick, multi-purpose and single use products. I wanted a firm bar that lathered well. I also wanted to add something that would keep his hair and skin healthy and soft.
Weighing Oils
I used Coconut Oil, Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil as the backbone for this recipe. These oil create nice firm bars with excellent and rich lather. I also added Shea Butter to my recipe. It softens, moisturizes and smooths to create luscious hair. This soap just might make you look for more excuses to run your fingers through his hair.
I used Almond Milk in this soap. I made fresh Almond Milk using the SoyaPower Plus Soy Milk Maker.
Collect needed items:
| Ingredients 21 oz wt Coconut Oil 25 oz wt Palm Oil 32.75 oz wt Palm Kernel Oil 5.25 oz wt Shea Butter, Refined16 fl oz Water 16 fl oz Almond Milk 12.25 oz wt lye (sodium hydroxide)1 fl oz Citrus & Basil Fragrance Oil |
Equipment Scale Soap Spoon Gloves Soap Bucket Jars Rubbermaid Drawer Organizer #2915 Immersion Blender Goggles Spoon |
| Time spent: Weighing time: 8 minutes Adding lye to water: 15 seconds, followed by 60 seconds of stirring Heating of oils time: 90 seconds Pouring lye solution into the fat mixture: 15 seconds Using immersion blender to mix soap solution: 90 seconds Pour into mold: 10 seconds Allow soap to rest: 24 hours |
Recipe in Percentages 16.24% Coconut Oil 19.34% Palm Oil 25.33% Palm Kernel Oil 4.06% Shea Butter, Refined12.37% Water 12.37% Almond Milk 9.47% Lye (sodium hydroxide).77% Citrus & Basil Fragrance Oil |
Adding Lye to Water
Measure oils on your scale. Heat your oils until they are liquid. In a separate container, add the sodium hydroxide to the water. Stir well. Combine the oils and lye solution. Blend until you reach a light trace. Add the Almond Milk and the Citrus & Basil Fragrance Oil. Blend well. Pour the soap into molds. Allow the soap to sit until firm. Cut into bars and allow to cure. Longer curing will result in a harder bar.
Stirring Lye Solution
Adding Lye Solution to Oils
Mixing Soap
Adding Milk and Fragrance Oil
Soap in Mold
Can’t wait to give this a try.
I think soap is my favorite product to make, and citrus and basil sounds great!
I have noticed that guys who buy soap from me go for the soap with a little scrub to it. I have added pre-ground luffa, ground up tea (peppermint is a great one), seeds – blueberry is very scrubby, while larger seeds like cranberry are more stimulating, and other ground botanicals like ground vanilla or ground apricot seeds. (Oatmeal is also one of my favorite additives that guys seem to be ok with). These all add scrubbiness to varying degrees – and some add pleasant fragrances. Guys seem to lean more towards power tools than things that cause softness. The additives might make it something they don’t want to put in their hair, but I’ve not talked to anyone yet who has shyed away from using it in their hair – it seems to rinse out easily.
“It softens, moisturizes and smooths to create luscious hair. This soap just might make you look for more excuses to run your fingers through his hair.”
Does this work if he’s nearly bald?! If so, I’d better make a batch pronto ^.^
Lol! I am not sure this will help his hair grow. However, it will make his skin soft. He just might find himself being petted more often!
Taylor
Ha! He would probably enjoy that, too…
My brother has shoulder-length curly/wavy hair and wants me to formulate a shampoo bar for him, but with my limited experience and ingredients, so far I haven’t gotten the desired results. I may have to fork over for a new order and try this out.
Also, I prefer to stick to EO’s. can you recommend an EO blend to create a comparable scent?
Thanks.
Absolutely. If you prefer essential oils, I would probably make a blend of Basil Essential Oil, Lime Essential Oil, and Lemon Argentina Essential Oil.
Granted, it won’t be exactly like the fragrance oil but it is going to be impressive. Mnn. I think you have inspired me for another soap!
I hope your bother enjoys this recipe. If it doesn’t work for him, let us know and we will help you formulate something.
Best Wishes,
Taylor
does coconut oil fractions have the same scent as virgin coconut oil? I only have virgin coconut so I am concerned not to get a too sweet lotion 🙂